Answers · Backyard Design-Build
Backyard design in Phoenix: how a real design-build process works
A Phoenix backyard design should be buildable — materials, quantities, permit-ready plans, and real pricing — not a mood board. Here's how the AE process actually works.
The honest version: Design-build means one team owns both the plan and the build, so nothing gets lost between designer and contractor. AE Outdoor Living designs, permits, and builds in-house. Design engagement typically lands $1,500–$5,000 depending on scope, credited back to the build.
01
The design-build process, step by step
- Site walk — we walk the yard, measure, discuss use, sun, sightlines, kids/pets.
- 3D concept — plan view + rendered 3D from your key vantage points.
- Material board — real samples of pavers, tile, coping, finish, plants.
- Engineered permit set — plans, structural, gas, electrical, drainage.
- Build — under one signed contract with milestone payments.
02
What a design-build backyard usually includes
- Hardscape — patio, walkways, driveway.
- Shade — ramada, pergola, or covered patio.
- Lawn zone — artificial turf or desert-adapted native.
- Focal features — pool, spa, fire pit, water feature.
- Outdoor kitchen or BBQ island.
- Landscape lighting (yard + permanent architectural LEDs).
- Planting palette on drip irrigation.
03
Payment schedule (canonical non-pool)
- 50% deposit at approval / 35% at project start or materials delivery / 15% balance at substantial completion.
FAQ
Common questions.
Design your Phoenix backyard
Send lot photos and a rough wish list — we'll come back with a design direction and a real range before you commit to design fees.
Start My Project PlanYour home investment — protected
Why this is an investment, not a cost.
An AE backyard is engineered to add daily livability and long-term home value. We publish honest ranges and build to code with a licensed and bonded Arizona crew. AE provides project-specific workmanship and manufacturer-warranty information in the signed agreement. Website summaries are for planning only.
- Licensed, bonded & insured in Arizona. ROC 340966 (R-62) · ROC 341002 (R-3) · ROC 347738 (KA-5) · ROC 211530 (CR-21). Most Arizona contracting work valued at $1,000 or more — or requiring a permit — must be performed by a properly licensed contractor, subject to statutory exemptions. Verify the legal entity, license status, and classification with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- Real ranges, itemized scope. You see materials, finishes, equipment models, and a line-item budget before you sign — not a one-line "pool — $90,000."